John is a long-time Alaskan whose love
of art goes along with an interest in
history. John specializes in military and
historical aviation subjects which takes
his art beyond the borders of Alaska.
His subjects, range from early Alaskan
bush pilots to heavy metal propliners to
high-tech F-22 Raptors. Clients include
aviation museums, private, commercial and military
pilots, air force units, and aerospace corporations across
the United States and the Pacific Rim. John received
his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington State
University in 1981. Samples of his work can be seen at:
theartofalaska.net

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The U.S.S. Anchorage
is coming to town!

P

lanning and preparations for
the arrival of this amphibious
transport vessel are well underway,
with the ship due to arrive in late April,
remaining at the Port of Anchorage
through May 6, 2013. Commissioning
week will be full of special events involving
the greater Anchorage community, with
the formal Commissioning Ceremony
held on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m.
“We are extremely honored to host
the Anchorage in her namesake city,”
said Dan Sullivan, Mayor of Anchorage.
Commander Brian J. Quin is Captain
of the PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit)
Anchorage, and along with key members
of his crew, has visited Anchorage on
numerous occasions to visit with local, state,

and federal leaders, promoting the ship’s
commissioning and establishing strong
community ties with Alaska residents.
Captain Quin received his commission
in 1991 through the NROTC program
at Northwestern University, where he
earned a bachelors of arts degree (with
honors) in history. In 2007, he earned a
masters of arts degree in national security
and strategic studies and graduated with
distinction from the Naval War College.
From 2009 to 2011 he commanded
the guided missile destroyer U.S.S.
GRIDLEY (DDG 101), homeported in
San Diego, California. Afloat, Captain
Quin served in a variety of division officer
billets in the U.S.S. CALLAGHAN
(DDG 994), as fire control officer in
the U.S.S. LAKE ERIE (CG 70), as

weapons and combat systems department
head in the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA
(CG 58), and as executive officer in the
U.S.S. SHILOH (CG 67) and the U.S.S.
CAPE ST GEORGE (CG 71). He
has deployed to the western Pacific, the
Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Ashore, Captain Quin served as maritime
homeland defense officer in the operations
directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as
deputy executive assistant and Flag aide
to the commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet,
and as combat systems officer (N65) on
the staff of the commander, Naval Surface
Forces. He also participated in the Office
of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff
intern program and served in the Joint
Staff ’s systems integration division ( J6V).

Captain’s Background

C

apt. Brian J. Quin received his
commission in 1991 through the
NROTC program at Northwestern
University, where he earned a Bachelors
of Arts degree (with honors) in
History. In 2007, he earned a Masters
of Arts degree in National Security and
Strategic Studies and graduated with
distinction from the Naval War College.
From 2009 to 2011 he commanded the
guided missile destroyer, USS Gridley
(DDG 101), homeported in San
Diego, Calif. Afloat, Capt. Quin served
in a variety of division officer billets in
USS Callaghan (DDG 994), as fire
control officer in USS Lake Erie (CG
70), as weapons and combat systems
department head in USS Philippine
Sea (CG 58), and as executive officer
in USS Shiloh (CG 70) and the USS
Cape St. George (CG 71). He has
deployed to the western Pacific, the

Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean
Sea. During his tours, Lake Erie
participated in the 1996 Mountain
Top advanced concept technology
demonstration;
Philippine
Sea
launched one of Operation Enduring
Freedom’s opening Tomahawk salvos
into Afghanistan in 2001; and Shiloh
participated in Operation United
Assistance, the 2004-2005 tsunami
relief effort in Indonesia. Ashore, Capt.
Quin served as maritime homeland
defense officer in the operations
directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as
deputy executive assistant and Flag aide
to the commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet,
and as combat systems officer (N65)
on the staff of the commander, Naval
Surface Forces. He also participated in
the Office of the Secretary of Defense/
Joint Staff intern program and served
in the Joint Staff ’s systems integration
division ( J-6V). Captain Quin’s awards
include the Defense Meritorious

Welcome to Anchorage!
It’s such an honor that United States Navy Secretary Mabus selected Alaska for this special
ceremony. We are thrilled to welcome the US Navy Sailors, Marines, families, loved ones, dignitaries,
and citizens to our beloved city.
First Lady Lynnette and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who
willingly choose to serve our country.
The Navy’s tradition of a Commissioning Ceremony is as rich as the culture of residents that live
here. I hope you enjoy your time here and always feel welcome to return to the largest city within the
largest state of the Union.
Sincerely,

I am so happy to welcome the USS Anchorage to its namesake city. This new state-of-the-art ship
will be a huge asset to the US Navy, and a point of pride for Alaska.
The USS Anchorage “coming alive” in the city it’s named after is the culmination of years of effort.
I first encouraged Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to commission the USS Anchorage here in
2011, and since then, so many Alaskans have written their own letters of support asking that the
ceremony be held in the greatest state in the union.
Even in tight budget times, the need to protect our waters does not diminish. As Arctic waters open
up, new shipping lanes and opportunities are opening up. The nation needs our Navy more than ever,
and the USS Anchorage now becomes an integral part of that fleet. I know she will bear the name
of Alaska’s largest city well, and that the people of this great city will join me in welcoming the USS
Anchorage and her crew with open arms.
Wishing the Crew of the USS Anchorage Fair Winds and Following Seas,

Lisa Murkowski
United States Senator

April 26, 2013

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Welcome to Anchorage! We are honored that the Secretary of the Navy selected Anchorage as
the namesake for this new San Antonio class amphibious transport dock.
As the United States places increased emphasis on the Pacific, it is vital that our nation is prepared
to project military force if necessary to protect US interests. This state-of-the-art vessel and it’s even
more impressive crew demonstrate our national capabilities across the great distances of this theater of
operations. Be it to counter military aggression or provide humanitarian relief after a natural disaster,
LPD-23 provides an invaluable option to get the job done.
While you are here, I hope you have an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Alaska
and the natural hospitality of Alaskans. Many groups are sponsoring events and businesses are
providing discounts to enable you to get out and see our great state. I urge you take advantage of these
offers.
We thank you for your military service to this great nation. Your willingness to spend months at
sea away from your families enables us to sleep safe at night. I hope you enjoy your time in Anchorage.
God Bless.

Sincerely,
Senator Mark Begich

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As the Congressman for All Alaska, it is my privilege to honor Captain Brian Quin and crew
of the U.S.S. Anchorage at its Commissioning Ceremony. Alaskans all across our great state are
fortunate to share this historic day as the U.S.S. Anchorage joins the fleet as one of the Navy’s newest
amphibious transport dock vessels. As a licensed tugboat captain and longtime mariner of Alaska’s
waterways, I know only too well that the success of a ship lies not only in the strength of its steel and
soundness of its framing, but in the character, commitment and mettle of her crew. I am confident that
Captain Quin and his talented crew will make us all proud.
Alaskans share an especially unique bond with the military. This is evident in every region
and neighborhood in the state, as our military population remains an integral piece of the social and
economic framework that helps define Alaska’s identity. We welcome all visitors to join us for the
Commissioning Ceremony on May 4, 2013. In particular, we welcome our veterans and thank them
for their service in defense of our freedoms and way of life.
Sincerely,
Senator Don Young

Following the ship
To follow the U.S.S. Anchorage after the commissioning and
adopt-a-sailor visit: www.ussanchoragenavy.com.
The Navy League of the United States (NLUS) was founded in 1902 with the encouragement
of President Theodore Roosevelt. The Navy League has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea
service to Congress and to the American people. The Navy League has grown into the foremost citizens’
organization to serve, support, and stand with all the sea services – U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S.
Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
The Navy League is comprised of 46,000 civilians in more than 250 councils around the world working to support sea service
members and their families. We do this through a variety of education programs that remind our fellow citizens that the United States
is a maritime nation whose national economic and security interests are inextricably tied to the freedom of the seas.
The Navy League has three missions: to enhance the morale of active duty personnel and their families; to inform Congress and the
American public on the importance of strong sea services; and to support youth through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps,
Junior ROTC and Young Marines that expose young people to the values of our sea services.
To join the Navy League online: www.navyleague.org/ $50 membership and monthly Anchorage meetings.

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Commissioning
Ceremony Overview
May 4, 2013

T

he commissioning ceremony for U.S.S. ANCHORAGE (LPD
23) will take place in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska on
May 4, 2013. She is the second ship to be named after this great city, which
had humble beginnings in 1914 as a tent city for workers on the Alaska
Railroad. It emerged at the mouth of Ship Creek and has since grown to
be Alaska’s most populous city with nearly 300,000 residents, overcoming
the devastating effects of the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964.The
city includes many cosmopolitan attractions including the Anchorage
Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Native Heritage Center and
a myriad of parks and wilderness that respect and celebrate the diverse
culture of Alaska’s 11 indigenous peoples. U.S.S. ANCHORAGE has
the distinction of being the first U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned in
the state. To assist in this celebration, a committee was formed in January
2012 which brings together members of the Alaska chapter of the U.S.
Navy League with representatives of the Municipality of Anchorage
and the Port of Anchorage. The committee’s main functions will be to
coordinate crew activities, and community outreach projects during the
5-day commissioning celebration.

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The Celebration
The amphibious transport dock, USS Anchorage (LPD-23), will
be formally commissioned into the United States Navy on Saturday,
May 4, 2013, in an ceremony held at the Port of Anchorage. This
commissioning will mark the first time a US Navy vessel has entered
into service in Alaska. The ship will be in Anchorage for 5 days.

Live streaming on the USS Anchorage
Commissioning Ceremony

www.ktuu.com &
www.muni.org

The Mission
Our mission is to serve the crew and community. A committee to
oversee the series of events surrounding the Commissioning Ceremony
was established in January 2012, and is comprised of individuals from
the U.S. Navy League-Alaska Chapter, Municipality of Anchorage,
the Port of Anchorage, and sub-committees to organize crew activities,
transportation, fundraising, finance, events, public affairs, community
outreach, and a host of other important aspects of the event.
SYMBOLISM
OF THE USS
Anchorage
Crest
SHIELD: The shield is shaped like the patch
worn by the crew of the original USS ANCHORAGE.
The two colors of the shield, Scarlet and Navy
Blue, represent the teamwork demonstrated
between Marines and Sailors onboard. The
transposed pile symbolizes the ship’s ability
to transport a landing force of up to 800
combat Marines in support of any operational
contingency. The crossed fouled anchors derive
from the anchor in the seal of the Municipality of
Anchorage and also identify this as the second
ship designated USS ANCHORAGE. The entwined
rope, which forms the letter “A,” represents the
families of ANCHORAGE’s Sailors and Marines.
CREST: The Municipality of Anchorage is
represented in the crest by the HMS RESOLUTION
(another feature from the municipality’s seal)
in a pictorial of Cook Inlet. RESOLUTION was
commanded by Captain James Cook, for whom
the inlet is named, and figures prominently in the
heritage of Anchorage, Alaska. The moose antlers
framing the pictorial represent the municipality’s
motto: “Big Wild Life.” The six red battle stars
recognize the wartime accomplishments of the
first ship named to honor Anchorage, LSD 36.
SCROLL: The scroll hangs from the sprigs
from a Sitka Spruce tree, the official tree of
Alaska. Red, white, and blue are the national
colors and denote the allegiance Marine Corps
and Navy servicemen and women have for their
country.
SUPPORTERS: The crossed Navy officer
sword and chief petty officer cutlass and Marine
Corps officer and non-commissioned officer
swords symbolize teamwork of the ship’s NavyMarine Corps war fighting team.

Ship tour details
1.) Parking for the tour shuttle and access to the U.S.S. Anchorage tour is at the
Northway Mall or the Sears Mall. The POA is a secured facility and members of
the general public will not have access through the main POA entrance.
2.) Visitors, both adults and children must be prepared to walk through a
metal detector. Adults, over the age of 18, must provide government issued
identification such as a driver’s license, passport or military credentials.
3.) Visitors are highly recommended to wear sensible shoes and pants. Please refrain
from bringing backpacks and large handbags; space is limited on the motor coach
and the vessel.
4.) The ship is not handicapped accessible. If you are handicapped, virtual tours
are strongly recommended, as climbing ladders and walking up ramps may be
involved in touring the ship.
5.) All tours are non-smoking.

La Societe des 40 et 8 Grand du Alaska
Is a Non-Profit Veteran’s Organization Supporting our U. S. Military
Men and Women Veterans from all Branch of Service and their
family members. Americanism, Youth Sports, Nurses Training are
some of the few programs that our organization sponsor within our
communities throughout Alaska and the Nation.
USS ANCHORAGE (LPD-23) AND SHIP’S COMPANY, “WELCOME TO THE FLEET”

WELCOME
USS ANCHORAGE
Serving America’s Veterans from

Congratulations on your commissioning.
The past, present and to the future !
www.shell.us/alaska

• To be a Plankowner of a ship is one of
the most incredibly significant moments
during the career of a US Navy Sailor. A
plaque is given to each member of the ship’s
company.
• The Commissioning Committee is
responsible for purchasing the Plankowner
Plaques.
• Special committee members, donors and
Alaskans will be given the Honorary
Plankowner title and plaque.

Photo Credit: Frank Flavin

• The committee has purchased 600 plaques
for the ship’s company.

Your stuff will make
it to port, even if you can’t.

When you’ve been shipping to Alaska for more than 35 years, you know
that this is no place for amateurs. Between Tacoma and Anchorage, there
are 1,440 nautical miles—and every kind of tidal mischief—to cover.
That’s why our Orca class of ships are specially built to handle whatever
comes up. Or goes out.
Meeting the unique demands of Alaska is only part of our business.

www.TotemOcean.com 800.426.0074

Meeting yours is everything else.

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The United States Navy in Alaska
1855 - 2013

T

he U.S. Navy has long and wide
wake in the state’s history and
is about to make history again with the
commissioning of its newest warship in
Alaskan waters.
While most people have heard of
christening a ship, the ceremony of
commissioning is less commonly known.
Commissioning inducts the ship into the
operating fleet of the United States Navy.
It is a formal rite of passage in the life of
warship when the commanding officer
comes aboard, calls the crew to their
quarters and reads aloud the naval orders.
A commissioning pennant is hoisted
up the mast with the Stars & Stripes−
and the moment is noted on the first page
of the logbook. For sailors, it is at this
moment the ship is said to ‘come alive’ as
she receives the official designation USS,
United States Ship. Now under orders,
she and her crew are charged with the
honor and responsibility to support the
citizens of the nation in peace and defend
it in time of war.

The U.S. Navy first dispatched a vessel
into Alaskan waters on a peacetime mission
in the summer of 1855. USS FENIMORE
COOPER, a 3-gun, 95 ton wooden sailing
schooner was tasked to find any survivors
or word of a missing New Bedford whale
ship MONONGAHELA. Rumor of a
cask from the ship had been reported the
previous year floating in the Bering Sea. So
the COOPER detached from her survey
mission off the China coast and sailed
north under Commander C. Ringgold
through the Aleutian Islands, searching
for and hoping to rescue survivors. None
were found.
So, with the autumn storms increasing
by mid-September, the COOPER
followed the Japanese Current across
the top of the North Pacific bound for

the Russian American capitol: Novo
Arkhangelsk (New Archangel). The
port, later to become Sitka, was the most
important seaport on the Pacific coast
of North America, boasting a working
shipyard with carpenters, shipwrights and
ironworkers; all the professional services
a sailing ship of the times might need.
Commander Ringgold, well aware that the
COOPER would be the first U.S. Navy
ship to enter the Russian port, adhered
to Navy protocol. Upon entering Sitka
Sound in front of the governor’s mansion
prominent on the hill of the town, he
ordered a booming three gun salute before
dropping anchor.
The mansion was home to Governor
S. V. Voyevodsky, lately an admiral in the
Russian Imperial Navy. The governor
promptly sent out a small vessel, cordially
inviting Commander Ringgold and his
officers to a fine welcome. In Russian Navy
style, with all the best the cosmopolitan
capitol had to offer he ordered a formal
ball to be held and several rich feasts.
They swapped a lot of sea stories and

With the purchase off a m
meal
eal o
off e
equal
qual
or lesser value and two drinks
Entrees #5-27 combos, Dine -In only, Must present coupon, One per
group table, Not valid with any other advertised specials. Exp 5/6/13.

Ship Delivery
AVONDALE, LA. (Sept.
17, 2012) Capt. Brian Quin,
commanding
officer
for
amphibious landing transport
dock ship Anchorage (LPD
23), Cmdr. Joe Tuite, deputy
of operations for Supervisor of
Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, and
Bruce Knowles, LPD 23 program
manager for Huntington Ingalls
Industries Shipbuilding sign the
documents signifying transfer
of custody of Anchorage to the
U.S. Navy during a ceremony
held on the ship. Anchorage will
be commissioned next spring in
her namesake city of Anchorage,
AK.

Mast Stepping
Ceremony
AVONDALE, LA. (Sept.
7, 2012) Annette Conway,
sponsor for landing transport
dock ship Anchorage (LPD 23),
addresses Sailors and Marines
assigned to Pre-Commissioning
Unit Anchorage during an
all hands call held on the
flight deck. Conway visited
the ship to take part in a mast
stepping ceremony, which is a
shipbuilding tradition that dates
back to ancient Rome. During
the ceremony, coins and other
affections are placed into the
mast prior to it being secured
in place. The coins are meant to
bring the ship luck as well as to
“pay the crew’s way” in the event
the ship sinks. Conway is wife of
Gen. James T. Conway, USMC
(Ret.), 34th Commandant of
the Marine Corps.

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The Ship

E

xpeditionary! It’s more than just a word. It is a mindset…a way of
operating that has its roots in the birth of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine
Corps more than 235 years ago.

The expeditionary character and versatility of maritime forces including
the San Antonio Class, forms the foundation for the 21st century Maritime
Strategy which implementing forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power
projection, maritime security, responses to crises worldwide, and humanitarian
assistance/disaster response wherever and whenever needed. Expeditionary is
the essence of naval operations from the sea – anytime…anywhere.
America’s expeditionary warships with their Marine Expeditionary
Units (Special Operations Capable) (MEU [SOC]) execute multi-mission
requirements, exploiting strategic maneuver in a sea based environment. These
expeditionary forces mix highly mobile air and ground repower with selfsustainable forces that can quickly project compelling power, withdraw rapidly,
and then reconstitute to re-deploy for follow-on missions. Or the ships may
be called upon to render humanitarian aid much like USS Mesa Verde LPD
19 performed along with other forces after the devastating Haiti earthquake
in 2010.
Designed from the keel up for such missions, the LPDs (Amphibious
Transport Dock) ships will support sustained and continuous expeditionary
operations in this challenging environment. Usually referred to as amphibious
transport docks, the 15 LPDs in older ship classes and the new San Antonio
(LPD 17) class each have a well deck in the after part of the ship. The ship
will ballast her stern to either completely ood the well deck for launching or
recovering conventional landing craft or only partially for a Landing Craft Air
Cushion (LCAC). These landing craft and vehicles then exit or enter the well
deck when the stern gate is opened. Upon completion of these operations, the
ship then deballasts and operates with a dry well. Well deck operations may
be conducted pierside, at anchor, or at sea while LPDs are moving through the
water

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April 26, 2013

Free parking in all
EasyPark garages:
JCP Garage
5th & B Garage
6th & H Garage
7th & G Garage
Join us on Wednesday,
nesday, May 1, 2013, from
5:00-9:00pm in Town Square for a community
block party to welcome the sailors of the
USS Anchorage and their families to our city!

Visit the
th parking booth at the event and
your gar
garage ticket will be validated.

Enjoy a wide assortment of foods, live music,
entertainment & activities for the kids, and beer
& wine garden. Activities are along 6th Avenue
between E and F Streets. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcome the crew
of the USS Anchorage to our city!

Custom Alloy Wheels
Best Selection In Stock Now

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Welcome
USS Anchorage
and Crew
AT&T is proud
to support the
USS Anchorage
commissioning
ceremonies.

The Crew
Capt. Brian J. Quin
Capt. Brian J. Quin received his
commission in 1991 through the
NROTC program at Northwestern
University, where he earned a
Bachelor’s of Arts degree (with
honors) in History. In 2007, he earned
a Masters of Arts degree in National
Security and Strategic Studies and
graduated with distinction from the
Naval War College. From 2009 to 2011 he commanded the
guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), homeported
in San Diego, Calif. Afloat, Capt. Quin served in a variety of
division officer billets in USS Callaghan (DDG 994), as re
control officer in USS Lake Erie (CG 70), as weapons and combat
systems department head in USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and
as executive officer in USS Shiloh (CG 70) and the USS Cape
St. George (CG 71). He has deployed to the western Pacific, the
Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea. During his tours, Lake
Erie participated in the 1996 Mountain Top advanced concept
technology demonstration; Philippine Sea launched one of
Operation Enduring Freedom’s opening Tomahawk salvos into

Cmdr. Joel Stewart
Cmdr. Joel Stewart, a native of
Great Falls, Mont., began his Navy
career by enlisting in 1985 as a Fire
Controlman, trained to maintain and
operate the Tomahawk Weapons
Control System. He advanced to the
rate of FC1 before he received his
commission through the Enlisted
Commissioning
Program.
He
graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1996 with a
Bachelors Degree in University Studies. He attended the Naval
War College’s Command and Staff College as a Halsey Scholar
and graduated with distinction in 2007, earning a Masters of Arts
degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His operational tours include duty as a Tomahawk technician
in USS Hewitt (DD 966); damage control assistant and
operations officer in USS Fife (DD 991); operations officer in

Afghanistan in 2001; and Shiloh participated in Operation Unied
Assistance, the 2004-2005 tsunami relief effort in Indonesia.
Ashore, Capt. Quin served as maritime homeland defense
officer in the operations directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as
deputy executive assistant and Flag aide to the commander, U.S.
THIRD Fleet, and as combat systems officer (N65) on the staff
of the commander, Naval Surface Forces. He also participated in
the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff intern program
and served in the Joint Staff ’s systems integration division ( J-6V).
Captain Quin’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Joint
Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (two awards), the Joint Achievement Medal, the NavyMarine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon (with three bronze stars), the Expert Rifle
Medal, the Expert Pistol Medal, and various other personal and
unit decorations.
Captain Quin’s personal decorations include: Meritorious
Service Medal (1 Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (6 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,
and various campaign and unit awards.

CMDCM Pete Santos
CMDCM Pete Santos enlisted
in the United States Navy in August
1987. He completed Basic training
in San Diego, Calif. His first duty
station was USS Wisconsin (BB-64)
Norfolk, VA, where he was assigned
as a member of 5th Division. He then
transferred to the USS Missouri (BB63) Long Beach, Calif., assigned as a member of 3rd Division,
where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. His next
assignment was NAS Sigonella, Sicily, where he was assigned to
Security Department where he was promoted to Petty Officer
Second Class. His next assignment was Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Mobile Unit EIGHT Naval Air Station Sigonella,
Sicily. There, he garnered the rank of First Class Petty Officer,
receiving various assignments such as Leading Petty Officer
(LPO) Maintenance Division and Command 3-M Coordinator.
He then transferred to Readiness Reserve Center, Alameda, Calif.,
as LPO Training and Manpower Department. In September
2000, he transferred to USS Elliot (DD 967) as Deck Division
LPO. On there, he completed cruises in support of Operations
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, he then transferred to

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the USS Coronado (AGF-11). His genuine Sailorization efforts
were soon recognized by the Navy and he was therefore promoted
to Chief Petty Officer (CPO). In 2003, he was assigned to the
USS Higgins (DDG-76) as Deck Leading Chief Petty Officer
(LCPO) completing several deployments, and later was promoted
to Senior Chief Petty Officer. He reported aboard USS Pearl
Harbor (LSD-52) in 2006, as Deck Department LCPO, also
completing several deployments. In October 2008, he reported
to the USS Cleveland (LPD-7) as Department LCPO, where
he was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer. In 2009, he was
assigned to USS Boxer (LHD-4) as Department Leading Chief
Petty Officer, where he was selected into the Command Master
Chief program. CMDCM Santos is a March 2008 graduate of the
Senior Enlisted Academy Non-Residence Course and Command
Master Chief (CMC)/Chief of the Boat Class 73. Command
Master Chief Santos served as the CMC for the USS Cape St.
George (CG-71) prior to his current assignment as CMC for
USS Anchorage (LPD-23).
His personal awards includes the Meritorious Service Medal,
Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement
Medal (5 awards), Good Conduct Medals (5 awards), and
numerous campaign, personal, and unit citations. Master Chief
Santos is a qualified Surface Warfare Specialist.

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USS A N CH O R AGE

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CO M M ISSIO NI N G

CERE M O NY

April 26, 2013

Anchorage Sailor Aims to Show
Hometown the ‘Gold Standard’

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – It’s a phrase
often heard in the passageways of the
future USS Anchorage (LPD 23).
“Execute the gold standard with
precision and style.”
Before the phrase even entered his
vernacular, Seaman Cruz Boseman, 21,
who is one of three Sailors on aboard the
ship who call Anchorage, Alaska home,
was already embodying the gold standard.
“I was raised to be a hard worker and
to always have a great sense of pride in that
work as well as anything I choose to take
on,” said Boseman. “When I arrived at the
ship before it was delivered, I recognized
that those same standards my parents
instilled in me were evident in both the
ship’s construction and my new shipmates.”
Anchorage’s crew has been assembling
and training over the last two years, seeing
the ship from final construction to its
Sept. 17 delivery.
Anchorage will be commissioned May
4 and Boseman, who enlisted in May
2012, said his selection to the crew of the
new warship that will bear his hometown’s
name was a great honor.
“I had orders to another ship in hand
and was already making plans to head
to Norfolk [Virginia] when I received
word that my orders were modified to
send me to Anchorage,” he explained.
“It was a great surprise and I knew then
that it was not only a chance to bring a
little hometown flavor to the crew, but
represent my home.”
The son of a former Army corporal
and a restaurant waitress, Boseman
decided that military service was his
ticket to achieving his ultimate goal of
being independent and earning money
for an education. Prior to his enlistment,
he was completing general studies at
the University of Alaska and working

Seaman Cruz Boseman, far right
“Anchorage will
always be home
and I feel being
away and serving
the country will
help me to better
appreciate that.”

alongside his mother at Village Inn in the
Northern Lights area of Anchorage, where
he had worked since he was 14.
“I feel like I’m still carving out what I
want to accomplish, but the Navy offers
me an opportunity to explore, serve my
country, and gain valuable experience
that will ensure my success in whatever
I choose to do,” he said. “Anchorage will
always be home and I feel being away and

serving the country will help me to better
appreciate that.”
When the ship pulls into the Port
of Anchorage for her commissioning
ceremony, Boseman said he looks forward
to being able to share the Alaskan
experience with his shipmates.
“It’s a great city with friendly people,”
he said. “The ‘gold standard’ of Anchorage
simply means to me that we are as proud
and hardworking as the people for who
this ship will represent, and it was be a
great honor to show my family, friends,
and fellow Alaskans what we have
accomplished. It’s awesome to have been
able to be apart of this experience.”
Anchorage is the seventh San Antonioclass amphibious transport dock.
She was built at the Huntington Ingalls
Industries Shipbuilding site in Avondale,
La. and delivered to the U.S. Navy Sept.
17. The ship will be commissioned in May
in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska
and is the second ship to be named for the
city.

April 26, 2013

Kenai, AK 99611

USS A N CH O R AGE

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March 1, 2013

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HELL AND HIGH WATER
and the Nation.
TWO YEARS LATER

Get all of your arts and entertainment events.
Pick it up free every Thursday!
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A CENTURY
OF SERVICE
The history of Anchorage has always been entwined with the history
of the military in Alaska, from the engineers and communications
officers who helped connect our communities at the turn of the
century to the thousands of military personnel who have served
tours in Anchorage — many staying or returning to make the city
their permanent home.
The commissioning of the USS Anchorage marks the beginning of
a two-year celebration of Anchorage, its hundred-year history, and
the shared journey of all those who have called the city “home.”
We invite you to join the celebration by sharing your Anchorage
stories, photos, home movies and memorabilia!
The story of Anchorage is the story of us. Share your story at
AnchorageCentennial.org.

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